Dr. Murray Feingold: Be holiday humble about keeping healthy

Friday

At times, the holiday season can be detrimental to your health. However, there are a number of measures that you can take that will help prevent this from happening.

At times, the holiday season can be detrimental to your health. However, there are a number of measures that you can take that will help prevent this from happening.

First, accept the fact that you will not be able to accomplish everything that you have planned. So relax, because even if you don't complete your ``to do'' list, everything usually works out all right and it won't make any difference.

Don't fantasize that all will be wonderful and everybody will get along and have a fantastic time, because, most of the time, this does not happen.

So don't feel depressed if things don't go the way you wanted them to. You expected more and got less. But remember, expectations are rarely fulfilled.

Today, it can be stressful just doing routine activities. So it is only natural that during the holidays when you have to accomplish a great deal more, it will be even more anxiety-provoking.

There is another issue that needs to be addressed: The holidays are the time when the parent's sacred home is invaded by family members of all ages. This results in some drastic changes in their daily routines.

Their snug nest is overrun by their dear children and grandchildren. Now their previously peaceful and tranquil home is transformed from a sea of equanimity into a sea of confusion, clutter and chaos.

But hang in there because their visitation rights are limited. And soon, after everyone departs, you will have more than enough time to return to your usual mundane and sedate life.

Yes, the holiday season is an exciting and busy time. But when they are over be prepared to accept a void in your life.

You many feel sad and even lonely. In spite of how your life was disrupted, you miss being with your family members and friends.

And, as always, remember the big picture and what is really important.

The gifts and food that require all of the work and produce the most stress are really just icing on the holiday cake.

What is really important is enjoying and appreciating the time spent together with family and friends.

Happy and healthy holidays.

Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of the National Birth Defects Center, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio in Boston, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases.

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